As previously announced, POM 2026 will feature three WRE stages: one Sprint race and two Middle Distance forest races.
This assignment clearly demonstrates the confidence that the International Orienteering Federation (IOF) places in the quality of the selected terrains, the mapped areas, and the high-level courses we are preparing for the World’s Elite athletes.
Within the 2026 WRE calendar, the IOF has chosen to distinguish a number of events with the status of Gold World Ranking Event — a mark of excellence that elevates these races far beyond a standard WRE.
We are extremely proud to announce that the Elite Sprint in Praia de Mira on 13 February, as well as the Middle Distance races on 14 and 16 February in Mira Norte, have been officially designated as GOLD WRE stages.
This distinction further strengthens the organisation’s commitment to delivering the best event possible and serves as a special invitation to all Elite athletes to register and compete for the prize money that will be awarded.
| Classification | Prize Money |
|---|---|
| 1st Place | 250 euros |
| 2nd Place | 150 euros |
| 3rd Place | 100 euros |
For each of the GOLD WRE stages, a monetary prize will be awarded to the top three athletes in the Men Elite 1 and Women Elite 1 classes.